Monthly Musings

Today I am linking up with Holly and Patty to chat about all things fall. I enjoy these link-ups because they always include such great writing prompts, and, sometimes a gal needs a little prompting.

1. What are your favorite Halloween traditions?

When the kids were small, we always Trick-or-Treated with my good friend Jana and her kids. I can still remember exactly how it felt to be tagging along behind five excited kids (and, on some years, an extra or two!) as they ran from house to house. Jana and I carried thermoses of hot cocoa liberally laced with Peppermint Schnapps to ward off the chill from the cool October air. Once we got home, the kids would spread out their haul and Hugh and I would surreptitiously confiscate a couple of our favorites. You know, for quality control purposes; parents can't be too careful.

Now and days, Hugh and I hand out candy to the Trick-or-Treaters who brave our annual skeleton display to knock on our front door. It's almost as much fun as when the kids were small (I'm lying).

2. Favorite fall activities?

Fall in Colorado is the perfect time for leaf-peeping on long drives. It's also my favorite time of the year to visit the local antique stores and thrift markets; one, especially calls to my heart. It's called Pickin' at the Pea and it never fails to impress me.

In addition to thrifting my heart out, I also enjoy the local Punkin' Chuckin' that takes place at a local farm; you haven't lived until you've see a pumpkin the size of a small child shot out of an air cannon. Hugh and I used to take the kids, but, lately it is just us and the Boomer dog.

3. Favorite fall recipe?

I am a sucker for anything that involves butternut squash. A recent favorite is this butternut squash lasagna that is to die for.

4. What beverage makes you think of fall?

I am not at all your typical PSL gal. In fact, I am one of those rare birds who actually believe that pumpkin spice belongs in baked goods and not in every other conceivable food item, including beverages. That being said, a good hot apple cider or a hot cocoa with Buttershots are the perfect beverages for the season.

5. Favorite fall fashion staples?

Plaid. Flannel. Scarves. Cardigans. Boots. Fall-themed graphic tees. And, this year I am adding a shacket, which combines a shirt and a jacket in a fall plaid pattern that will look amazing with my boots.

6. Do you decorate for fall? Halloween? Both?

Typically, I decorate for both. I generally start in September, with the fall decor'...

...and then bust out the Halloween stuff on October 1st.

7. Bonfire? Corn Maze? Hay ride?

I have to say corn maze, because that is what is most available in my neck of the woods. On the other hand, there is an amazing country road just outside of Petticoat Junction that meanders around curves,  up and down gently rolling hills, and, at one point, runs underneath a canopy of trees that shade it, creating a creepy covered bridge effect without the actual bridge. I have always wanted to do a hayride there, complete with the telling of The Legend of Sleepy Hollow, with the grand finale being a pursuit of the hay wagon by the Headless Horseman. Maybe I'll get it organized, someday.

8. Apple pie or apple cider?

Apple pie, if I'm being honest. Since I'm doing my level best to avoid processed and added sugars; I guess I'd have to go with cider, though.

9. Favorite type of apple?

Pink Lady is my favorite type for snacking. I love a good tart Granny Smith combined with this cheese, though. The flavor combination creates a caramel apple without the guilt.

10. Favorite Thanksgiving traditions?

For us, Thanksgiving is all about family and food. We always have a traditional meal of turkey and all the fixings, which, in our case, include my Mom's recipes for sage stuffing and giblet gravy, my homemade cranberry sauce, my late Grandma Molly's dinner rolls, and a pumpkin pie made from fresh pumpkins. Since the kids became adults, we have added a tradition of creating a signature drink for the year; one year it was a pomegranate Bellini that was to die for. This year, with Queen B in Texas, the Man-Cub in Hawaii, and Mom staying close to home; it will just be me, Hugh, Oscar and Emily, so; I'm planning to bust out the good china and set a super fancy table. I'll overcompensate for the lack of people around my table by bringing the bougie.

The only other things we traditionally do on Thanksgiving include watching the Macy's Parade and, after the last of the dishes have been washed and put away, we decorate the Christmas tree. Usually, this gives me lots of helping hands to make short work of the chore. This year, not so much. 

But, we'll survive.